Piping

What it is: Basically a cord wrapped in bias tape placed in the seam between two of your fabric pieces. You can make your own by combining those two elements, or by pre-made bias tape.

Uses: Piping is seen most commonly on things like slipcovers, bags, and other non-wearable fashions. However, many old-fashioned patterns as well as some fresher looks use piping around the collar or to add decorative details.

Inserting piping in your project:

Step 1: Cut your bias to the right size. Place your piping on top one piece of you fabric along the side where you want the seam to go, matching raw edges with the cord (the rounded part) facing towards the center of the fabric. Use a zipper foot or a special piping foot to baste the piping to the fabric, sewing as close to the cord as possible.

Step 2: Place the second, corresponding piece of your fabric on top of the first piece and basted piping right sides together as you would to sew a normal seam. Sew the seam with your zipper foot, again sewing as close the cord as possible.

Step 3: Turn your garment piece right side out. There should be no stitches showing along the piping, just the piping. If there are stitches sewing, you can sew the seam again sewing closer to the cord, without needing to rip any seams out.

Check out the tutorial on Burda Style.